Pro-Palestinian protesters gather in Ljubljana against Israel embassy opening

Pro‑Palestinian demonstrators assembled in Ljubljana on Saturday to voice opposition to the inauguration of Israel’s first resident embassy in Slovenia’s capital. The gathering, organized by several local activist groups, took place outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Israeli delegation prepared to present its diplomatic credentials.

Police reported that roughly 150 participants formed a peaceful march, holding signs condemning Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict and demanding that the new embassy be barred from opening. Officials noted that the protest was the largest of its kind in Slovenia since diplomatic ties with Israel were established in 1992, when the two countries exchanged non‑resident ambassadors. The demonstration coincided with a wave of similar rallies across Europe, reflecting heightened public scrutiny of Israel’s foreign missions amid ongoing hostilities in the region.

Slovenian authorities confirmed that the event remained orderly and that no arrests were made. The foreign ministry issued a statement affirming Slovenia’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel while also upholding the right to peaceful assembly. The embassy’s opening is scheduled for next week, and officials indicated that the protest is unlikely to alter the planned diplomatic schedule.